IS INFLUENCE REALLY POWERFUL?

HOW TO INFLUENCE

   In the first part of this article, we  shared with ourselves  about the power of influence. We also learned about the benefits of influencing or becoming a person of influence and some areas where influence works. But the question remains  "how do we influence or become a person of influence?". So in this concluding part, we are going to be sharing the basic influencing techniques and how they work.

   Firstly, I want us to bear in mind that becoming a person of influence or the act of influencing others effectively is not a day's work. It can only be perfected  by continuous practice or application of the influencing techniques. It is also important for us to know that there is no 'one fits all' influencing technique because of the difference in people's personality and of course the situation whereby we might find ourselves.

   Also, one can influence others or be influenced by the same either positively or negatively, consciously or unconsciously depending on the influencing technique used. The act of influencing is not only practiced by leaders on their subordinates but followers as well can have a great deal of influence on the decisions of their leaders without going against ethical and moral principles.

   There are several influencing techniques varying in the level of their effectiveness and the frequency in which they are applied among individuals, organizations and cultures of the world while the basic ones are mainly of four different approaches which include:



THE RATIONAL APPROACH

LOGICAL PERSUADING  - This is done by using logic to explain what you believe or what you want. This is the most frequently used and effective influence technique in the world but it does not work with everyone and will not work at all in some circumstances.

LEGITIMIZING  - The act of appealing to authority. This works with some people most of the time and most people some of the time.

EXCHANGING  - Negotiating or trading for cooperation.

STATING  - Asserting what you believe or want.



THE SOCIAL APPROACH

SOCIALIZING  - Getting to know the other person and finding common ground. This is the act of complimenting people and making them feel good about themselves.

APPEALING TO RELATIONSHIP  - Gaining cooperation with people you already know well. The effectiveness of this approach is based on the length and strength of your existing relationships.

CONSULTING  - Engaging people by asking questions; involving them in the problem or solution. This works well with smart, self-confident people who have a strong need to contribute ideas.

ALLIANCE BUILDING  - Finding supporters to help influence someone else.



THE EMOTIONAL APPROACH

APPEALING TO VALUES  - Making an emotional appeal to the heart. This is one of the principal ways to influence many people at once and the best technique for gaining commitment.

MODELING  - Behaving in ways you want others to behave; Parents, leaders, managers and public figures influence others through modeling all the time positively or negatively whether consciously or not.



THE NEGATIVE INFLUENCE TACTICS

MANIPULATING
INTIMIDATING
AVOIDING
THREATENING.



Let him that will move the world first move himself. Socrates



   America's leadership expert John C. Maxwell once said that "You can't light  another's path without casting light on your own." Thus emphasizing the fact that one must first influence himself and also equip himself with the right qualities of a good influencer such as a sound mind, confidence and a strong desire to influence and achieve great results before he can be able to influence others positively and effectively. This is because people normally follow leaders stronger than themselves.

   Once you have found your own voice, the choice to expand your influence, to increase your contribution is the choice to inspire others to find their voice. We live in a world which is full of misery and ignorance, and the plain duty of each and all of us is to try to make the little corner he can influence somewhat less miserable and somewhat less ignorant than it was before he entered it. Note that while you can't do much about the past, you can influence the future enormously.